THE LIFE LESSONS

1. As Richard Carlson says, 'don't sweat the small stuff', and
most of it is small stuff. Much of the time we get
stressed and worked up over "stuff" that in the grand scheme of
things really doesn't matter. When we allow ourselves get too caught up in it
we ruin our perspective and don't take
time to enjoy the moment.

2. Life can be unpredictable and throw you some curves. Just say "never" and see what happens! To avoid the
jolt when life's surprises come your way, be prepared by being open-minded and maintain the positive mindset that welcomes the life lessons
offered.

3. The most boring word in any language is "I". It's wonderful to be self-confident and self-sufficient, however,
it's not all about you. There is nothing more monotonous than hearing someone
talk about themselves and their accomplishments endlessly. Being self-centered
is not the same as having self-confidence.

4. People are more important than things. Relationships are more important than any material goods you may
acquire on the road to success. Without the love and support of family and friends in life, material
goods are not of much use. Setting your values and priorities can
help you establish what's important.

5. Nobody else can make you happy. Your happiness and state of
mind are your responsibility. It's up to each of us to know what it takes to be
balanced and happy. Our relationships enhance
our lives and make them richer, but they do not "make" us happy. We
do. Enjoy:

6. Character and integrity count. It's important to be a person of honor. Your good word and deeds
inspire trust and confidence from family, friends and employers. Be the kind of
person others are proud to know.

8. A good joke can be better than any pill. Take time to laugh each day. Humor really is good medicine.

9. There are no substitutes for exercise, eating well, and fresh
air and sunshine. Never take your health for granted, or underestimate how much
feeling good physically affects your moods. Enjoy this article on The Benefits of Regular Exercise.
It's full of helpful tips.

10. Persistence will eventually get you almost anything. Never give up. Keep your goals and dreams alive.

11. Television probably ruins more minds than drugs. Get away from the TV and read, exercise, learn and stretch yourself.

12. It's okay to fail. Everyone has
failed at one time or another. Failure is a great life
teacher. It teaches us humility and how to correct our course of action. Thomas
Edison had a great attitude towards failure. He said, "I have not failed.
I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

13. Learn from the mistakes of others. There's an old Zen proverb that states: "It takes a wise man
to learn from his mistakes, but an even wiser man to learn from others."

14. Don't be afraid to show and tell others you love them. Life is short, so learn to give and receive love. Love and be
loved.

15. Live so that there is only standing room at your funeral. Be the best
spouse, parent, friend, boss or worker that you can be so that you can
leave the world a better place than you found it.

"The difference between school and life? In school,
you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that
teaches you a lesson." Tom Bodett